EU Lawmaker Urges Action on Morocco’s Closed Borders with Spanish Enclaves

In a written question to the Commission, Cañas denounced the "unilateral" closure of the Moroccan borders, a situation that is causing serious damage to the Spanish ports, particularly those of the two autonomous cities, which have been suffering for several years from the blockade policy of the Moroccan government.

To read: Spanish Enclaves Ceuta and Melilla Face Economic Crisis Amid Moroccan Border Tensions

"What measures will the Commission take to put an end to Morocco’s illegal practices?", asked Cañas, who has called for the reopening of the Spanish ports through which thousands of Moroccans residing in Europe travel to spend their summer vacations in the kingdom (Operation Marhaba).

To read: Morocco Leverages Pandemic to Pressure Spanish Enclaves, Reshape Border Economy

According to the MEP, "this situation reveals how Morocco takes advantage of its status as a privileged partner of the EU to blackmail member states like Spain" in violation of the EU-Morocco agreements. Cañas recalls having repeatedly denounced Morocco’s "blackmail" towards Spain, particularly after the massive influx of migrants into Ceuta in May last year, causing an unprecedented migration crisis.